Fantasy Basketball: Victor Wembanyama delivers a historic evening and further insights into the NBA Christmas Day
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Fantasy Basketball: Victor Wembanyama delivers a historic evening and further insights into the NBA Christmas Day

Posted on by Amelia Pressman

Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone! This year’s Christmas table gave us a lot of action with exciting moments and dominant performances. As LeBron James said, “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.” That was my opinion too – especially after all the noise about the NBA and its dying and unattractive product.

Here are three takeaways from the five Christmas games with a fantasy twist.

  • In his first appearance on Christmas Day, Wemby was a beast, scoring 42 points (16-31 FG, 6-16 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal and 4 turnovers. His performance equated to 78.5 fantasy points, the highest of any player on the 2024 Christmas list.

  • Wemby also became the third player in NBA history to score at least 40 points with 15 rebounds on Christmas Day.

  • Last month, Wemby was the top player in fantasy nine-cat leagues. His unicorn-like abilities are a cheat code for fantasy managers.

  • I don’t think many were expecting this performance at Christmas, so Bridges’ performance easily won the title of “Secret Santa.” Bridges scored 41 points with exceptional efficiency (17 of 25 FG) and added 6 three-pointers.

  • Although I doubted Bridges at the start of the year, he has seemed more comfortable with his shot lately. He shoots up to 49% from the field and thrives in the midfield.

  • He was a fourth-round pick last month and led the league with 38.6 minutes played per game.

  • Luka left the game in the first quarter after re-injuring a calf strain. According to Shams Charania, Dončić will undergo an MRI on Thursday, but the team expects a longer absence.

  • Kyrie Irving shined in his absence, scoring 39 points, but the injury opened up opportunities for other Mavs players like Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie.

  • I would prioritize Dinwiddie, but Grimes started the second half in place of Dončić.

  • Ant-man led the way for Minnesota in his first appearance on Christmas Day, posting 26 points (11-24 FG, 4-7 3PT), 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 saves.

  • Edwards failed to attempt a free throw for the third time this season. Still, he was aggressive, attacking the basket and making sure his midcourt looked clean.

  • Edwards remains a top-50 player in the 9-cat league and a top-20 player in the points leagues.

  • After putting in two strong performances on Christmas Day, Reid didn’t do much on Wednesday.

  • He scored six points with two boards, two dimes and a steal in 22 minutes.

  • The reigning 6MOY is shooting an uncharacteristic 39% from the field in December and hasn’t reached his ADP of 96.8.

  • Maxey embodied the Christmas spirit, posting 33 points, 12 assists and three steals in one of his best games of the season.

  • Although his efficiency in 9-cat leagues has been disappointing, Maxey has shown signs of improvement, shooting 46% from the field in his last six contests.

  • He gave the Sixers a huge win and if I were correct, Maxey would have had the best performance on Christmas this year.

  • Porziņģis left after just 13 minutes and did not return after half-time after suffering an ankle injury.

  • Porziņģis finished the game with nine points (3-8 FG, 3-6 3PT), two rebounds and three assists.

  • Luke Kornet started the second half, but Al Horford would be the most valuable fantasy asset if Porziņģis misses at some point.

  • Martin stepped up sharply, scoring 23 points with seven 3s, the most of his career.

  • Martin has played over 27 minutes in his last three games with Philly shorthanded in the rotation due to injuries.

  • Fantasy managers may consider him in 12-team leagues while he’s hot if they’re looking for 3s and steals.

  • Reaves had a memorable game, recording a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and a game-winning layup.

  • Since returning from a five-game absence, the Lakers are 4-2, and Reaves is averaging 18-5-5 in 35 minutes per night.

  • He should continue to serve as the secondary ballhandler with D’Angelo Russell out of the lineup.

  • Curry was ice cold from the field, shooting 35% in December. But what better way to showcase his shot against LeBron James on Christmas?

  • Who knows how many more of these fights they have in store, but the final three minutes were a classic Curry exercise in elite marksmanship. The patented Mike Breen “bang” seals it.

  • He fueled the Lakers for 38 points (14-24 FG, 2-2 FT), six dimes and eight treys (the most ever on Christmas). Expect more vintage games like this as Curry and the Warriors look to keep this window of competition alive.

  • After Anthony Davis left early with an ankle injury, LeBron posted 31 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 digs. The Lakers won and James became the first player to surpass 500 points on Christmas.

  • James’ workload will increase if AD misses his time, making him even more important to fantasy managers despite his age.

  • Max Christie played over 33 minutes for the second straight game and is streamable if the Lakers continue to run an eight-man rotation.

  • The Phoenix duo combined for 54 points, the first time two Suns players scored at least 25 points on Christmas. Beal was more efficient, shooting 11 of 21 compared to Durant’s 9 of 26.

  • Still, Durant thrived in the charity contest, hitting all nine attempts.

  • Durant set a team record with six assists, a trend that I expect will continue the longer Devin Booker (groin) is out.

  • Braun played no role on Christmas, scoring five points, grabbing five boards and providing three assists in 28 minutes of play.

  • The Nuggets are rumored to be interested in Zach LaVine, and I can understand why. Braun is 3 of 22 from 3 in his last nine games, averaging 10 points, 5 points and 2 assists.

  • He’s barely playable and provides 15th-round value in 9-cat and point leagues in December.

  • Peyton Watson played 24 minutes as a substitute for Aaron Gordon, who did not return from the locker room after halftime due to a strain in his right calf.

  • There was no specific update other than that Gordon is dealing with an injury to the same calf that caused him to miss 10 games in November.

  • Keep an eye on the injury report. Watson should be the beneficiary if Gordon misses time.

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